Albay bans entry of live birds, including poultry, from CamSur
Albay Provincial Capitol in Legazpi City (PNA file photo by CONNIE CALIPAY)
LEGAZPI CITY — The Albay provincial veterinary office has intensified its border control by prohibiting the entry of all live birds originating from Camarines Sur.
The ban was enforced through Executive Order 27 issued on May 10 and posted on Thursday.
Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao said the move was in response to the Bureau of Animal Industry’s confirmation of the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.
“Albay is committed to preventing the entry and spread of HPAI in the province by adopting preemptive, science-based biosecurity measures to protect the health of its poultry population and its citizens,” the EO read.
Bongao said Albay’s geographical proximity to Camarines Sur places the province at high risk for transboundary disease transmission due to the uncontrolled movement of live birds and their by-products.
The province has banned all pigeon races or similar events that originate from, pass through or end in Albay and those activities that involve birds from Camarines Sur.
The EO added that persons who ship poultry products and live avian species from non-restricted areas must present complete and valid documentation upon entry at the Provincial Animal Quarantine Checkpoints.
The required documents include a veterinary health certificate, a shipping permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), a certificate of origin, other supporting biosecurity documents, and any additional documents requested by the border inspector.
Bongao said shipments that are not backed the required documents will be denied entry and may be subject to confiscation and proper disposal by local and national regulators./apl
